Erik Ten Hag was urged to leave Manchester United in summer
Erik Ten Hag has had a torrid time at Old Trafford this season
Erik ten Hag’s closest friend urged him to consider leaving Manchester United after he led the team to victory in the FA Cup last season.
The Dutch manager is once again under pressure, with growing concerns about his future at Old Trafford.
Last term, he oversaw United’s worst-ever Premier League campaign, finishing in eighth place.
Despite this, he survived a summer review and was granted a one-year extension by the new INEOS hierarchy.
However, after a poor start to the current season, their decision is now being questioned.
Ten Hag was given additional funds to strengthen the squad over the summer, yet familiar flaws persist within the team.
Leon Ten Voorde, who has been friends with Ten Hag for over 40 years and grew up with him in the Netherlands, encouraged him to leave the club following his unexpected triumph at Wembley.
Despite this, Ten Hag remains confident in his ability to achieve success at Manchester United.
He told the De Ballen Verstand of TC Tubantia podcast: “I advised him to leave last summer.
“He won the FA Cup, so you leave through the front door.
“He’s had a lot of injuries this past year.
“But then trainers think: ‘I can turn things around'”.
Ten Hag’s long-time friend also added: “How long does United think this can go on?
“That question is now hanging over United and Ten Hag again.
“In general, he is calm and relaxed.
“But I can’t imagine that this leaves you completely unaffected.”
This season, Manchester United have already faced three losses in six games, including two significant 3-0 defeats at home to Liverpool and Tottenham.
In midweek, they let a 2-0 lead slip away against Porto, ultimately drawing 3-3, highlighting ongoing defensive vulnerabilities.
Despite these setbacks, manager Erik ten Hag insists that the team is progressing and has called for patience as his new recruits adapt to their environment.
The Dutchman continues to draw on his trophy-winning track record to bolster confidence in his vision for the club.
He said: “We will get there. Don’t judge us in this moment, judge us at the end of the season.
“We are in the process, we will improve.
“We have two seasons now where we achieve finals, (so) just wait.
“We have to develop and progress this team.
“We will work and continue and we will fight.”
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